Pixicook
HomeRecipesGrillingGrilled Peruvian Chicken with Zesty Green Sauce
recipe image

Grilled Peruvian Chicken with Zesty Green Sauce

clock-icon95 minutes
author-image
Author
Pixicook editorial team

A flavorful and vibrant grilled chicken dish served with a zesty green sauce, inspired by Peruvian cuisine.

Ingredients for Grilled Peruvian Chicken with Zesty Green Sauce

units in
USchevron
serves
4 peoplechevron

Jalapeño Chiles, roughly chopped

each

Ají Amarillo Pepper Paste

tablespoons

Cilantro Leaves, fresh

cups

Garlic, medium cloves

each

Lime Juice, fresh

teaspoons

Kosher Salt

to taste

Black Pepper, freshly ground

to taste

Kosher Salt

teaspoons

Ground Cumin

tablespoons

Paprika

tablespoons

Black Pepper, freshly ground

teaspoons

Garlic, minced

each

White Vinegar

tablespoons

Vegetable Oil

tablespoons

How to Make Grilled Peruvian Chicken with Zesty Green Sauce

1. Prepare the Sauce

Start by combining the jalapeños, ají amarillo paste, cilantro, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and white vinegar in a blender. Blend these ingredients on high speed until you achieve a smooth mixture, making sure to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed. While the blender is running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil to emulsify the sauce, ensuring it becomes thick and creamy. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper, then transfer it to a sealed container and refrigerate until ready to use. This chilling time will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

2. Prepare the Chicken

To prepare the chicken, start by patting it dry with paper towels on a cutting board. Using kitchen shears, remove the backbone so that you can lay the chicken flat, which promotes even cooking. Skewer the chicken for added stability while grilling.

3. Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, ground cumin, paprika, freshly ground black pepper, minced garlic, white vinegar, and vegetable oil. Massage these ingredients together until you have a homogeneous mixture. Rub this blend thoroughly over the entire chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.

4. Grill the Chicken

Prepare your grill by lighting charcoal or preheating a gas grill for about 5 minutes, aiming for medium to high heat. Clean and oil the grilling grate to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skin-side up on the grill with the legs towards the hotter side. Cover the grill and open the vents, allowing the chicken to cook slowly until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 110°F (43°C).

5. Finish Grilling the Chicken

Once the chicken reaches 110°F, flip it over so that the skin side is down, with the breasts positioned towards the cooler side of the grill. Press down on the chicken with a spatula to ensure good contact with the grill grates. Cover the grill and continue cooking until the thermometer reads between 145 to 150°F (63 to 66°C), which should take about 10 minutes.

6. Rest and Serve

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it lets the juices redistribute, ensuring a perfectly juicy chicken. Carve the chicken into desired pieces and serve it with the zesty green sauce on the side. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and tender texture of your Grilled Peruvian Chicken.

Variations

Grilled Moroccan Chicken with Chermoula

Use a marinade with Moroccan spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, and serve with chermoula, a herb sauce with cilantro, parsley, lemon, and spices.

Grilled Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Use a marinade with Thai flavors like lemongrass, ginger, and fish sauce. Grill the chicken and serve with a peanut sauce, which aligns with the concept of a complementary herb-based sauce.

Grilled Argentine Chimichurri Steak

Use the marinating technique with Argentinian-inspired spices and herbs like oregano and parsley, swap the chicken for steak, and serve with a zesty chimichurri sauce in place of the green sauce.

Grilled Greek Chicken with Tzatziki

Marinate the chicken in a mixture with oregano, garlic, and lemon, then pair it with tzatziki sauce, which involves the creamy element through the use of Greek yogurt.

Charcoal Flavor

Use a charcoal grill to impart a deeper smoky taste.

Pitfalls and tips

Internal Temperature Check

Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F for breasts and 175°F for thighs.

Marinade Mastery

Use fresh citrus juice, ample garlic, cumin, paprika, and other spices, and marinate for at least a few hours, preferably overnight.

Grill Management

Create zones of direct and indirect heat on your grill, sear the chicken over direct heat, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking.

Green Sauce Glory

Use fresh cilantro and mint, and adjust jalapeño heat to taste, removing seeds to reduce heat.

Rest and Relax

Let your chicken rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Comments (0)

Add your comment...

Explore More Grilling recipes

Explore More Collections

Chicken Katsu with Shredded Cabbage and Scallions

Chicken Fried

Cucumber Salad with Garlic ginger and soy

Easy Salad

Oven-Baked Crispy Bacon & Sunny-Side Up Eggs

High Protein Breakfast

Crispy Skin Chicken Thigh with Garlic-Caper Pan Sauce

Quick Chicken